By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Make-A-Wish Foundation, along with dozens of sponsors, gathered at Crowne Plaza’s Ataari Dinner Show on Saturday to celebrate Janie Benavente and her parents, Eun and Jeremiah Benavente, and the wish that came true.
Guests and sponsors wore white clothing and zories as they enjoyed dinner, listened to music, and admired the beautiful sunset as a backdrop.
A highlight of the fundraiser was the expression of gratitude to table sponsors, raffle sponsors, ticket sponsors, and cash donors.
Table Sponsors included Atkins Kroll, EFC Services Corporation, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Herman’s Bakery, Bank of Guam, Docomo Pacific, Raymond James MGlobal, Turnkey Solutions, Marianas Variety, IT&E, Triple J Enterprises, Naked Fish Bar & Grill, McDonald’s Restaurant of Guam and Saipan, Matson, Joeten DaiDai Foundation, Marpac Inc., and Hofschneider Engineering Corporation.
The fundraiser, hosted by Jay Santos and Tracy Guerrero, featured raffle draws. Raffle Sponsors included Marpac, Joeten Superstore, All-Star Sporting Goods, Pena House Boutique, Crowne Plaza Resort, Docomo Pacific, Naked Fish, Joeten Motors, IT&E, PHI Pharmacy, Isla Financial, The Athlete’s Foot, Herman’s Bakery, Boaderline, McDonald’s, AFE Marianas, Great Harvest Cafe & Bakery, Surf Club Restaurant, and Joeten Enterprises.
Ticket Sponsors included SPPC, Bank of Saipan, Bank Pacific, Bank of Hawaii, Devin Finco, Chris King, Anneka Hofschneider, Erin Camacho, Dan Shread, and Manny Borja.
Cash Donors included Micronesian Brokers, Saipan Shipping, Chong’s Corporation, D&Q, Joeten DaiDai Foundation, Pena House Boutique, Frankie Eliptico, Lyn Tenorio, Saipan Stevedore, and Saint Trading.
During the event, Janie’s story brought tears to everyone’s eyes. Living with a rare genetic syndrome that affects her muscles, bones and lungs, Janie draws strength from music — particularly from the Japanese band King Gnu. Even while in the ICU, she would close her eyes and listen to their songs, imagining she was at one of their concerts. She has undergone seven surgeries so far.
Janie, who will turn 15 this year, often told her parents about her dream of meeting the members of King Gnu one day. That dream, Janie said, wasn’t just an escape — it was a reason to keep fighting.
While meeting the band in person wasn’t possible, the Make-A-Wish Foundation gave her the next best thing: a trip to Japan, where she walked the streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya, immersed in the culture that inspired the music that kept her alive.
“That trip was the best time of my life and a turning point in my recovery,” Janie said. “The trauma I had faced was washed away, piece by piece, with every intentional act of kindness by the Make-A-Wish team. From the send-off party at Cha Cafe, to the delightful gift basket, to the VIP taxi ride from Narita Airport to our hotel in Ginza, the entire experience was planned with meticulous care by the Make-A-Wish team.”
She added, “The experience brought so much joy and healing back into my life. Your work matters more than you can imagine. Your donations don’t just fund logistics — they fund hope. Your generosity gave me a lifelong memory I will cherish forever and helped me feel whole again.”
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization that grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses, aiming to provide hope, strength, and joy during difficult times.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
